India Reaches Significant Milestones in Malaria, Kala-Azar, and Lymphatic Filariasis Control in 2024: Government

New Delhi, Dec 28 (NationPress) India has successfully met critical targets for cases and deaths associated with vector-borne diseases like malaria, kala-azar, and lymphatic filariasis, as stated by the government on Saturday.

The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) plays a vital role in the prevention and control of these diseases.

As reported by the Ministry of Health, India has made remarkable strides in reducing the malaria burden.

From 2015 to 2023, the country has achieved an astonishing 80.53 percent reduction in malaria morbidity and a 78.38 percent reduction in malaria mortality, according to the Ministry.

In 2024 (up to October - provisional), there has been a 13.66 percent rise in malaria cases but a 32.84 percent decrease in malaria-related deaths, the report added.

This year, surveillance has expanded to 23 states through October, with the aim of eliminating malaria by 2030.

Moreover, the Ministry reported a 22.18 percent decline in kala-azar cases in 2024.

Approximately 421 kala-azar cases have been documented by October.

In contrast, 541 cases were noted in the same period in 2023.

Notably, the country has sustained its elimination target in 633 endemic blocks achieved by the end of 2023.

The elimination target is defined as an annual incidence of fewer than one case per 10,000 population at the block level.

The government has successfully achieved a zero count of endemic blocks reporting more than one kala-azar case per 10,000 population at the block level and has maintained this elimination status to date, as stated by the Ministry.

Furthermore, the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) initiative aimed at eliminating lymphatic filariasis has achieved 94 percent coverage among the eligible population in 2024.

In 2023, MDA campaigns reported 82 percent coverage nationally.

This campaign, part of the National Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, achieved coverage across 1,634 blocks in 159 districts across 13 states. MDA was conducted in two phases in these regions, according to the Ministry.

Lymphatic filariasis, commonly referred to as Elephantiasis (Haatipaon), is a serious and debilitating disease transmitted through the bite of a culex mosquito.

This disease is prioritized for elimination by the Government of India ahead of the global target set for 2030.

Among 345 endemic districts, 159 districts across 13 states reported over 1 percent microfilaria (Mf) rate and are currently under Mass Drug Administration.

Approximately 338,087 Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention Kits have been distributed to lymphoedema patients, and 64,706 hydrocelectomy surgeries have been performed, the report added.

Significant progress has also been made regarding Japanese Encephalitis in 2024.

The Ministry noted that out of 355 districts, 334 have been included under routine immunization.

Only 21 more districts need to be included in routine immunization against Japanese Encephalitis, which is an infection of the brain caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus.

About 42 districts — including Assam (9), Uttar Pradesh (7), and West Bengal (26) — have been covered under adult vaccination against this disease, according to the Ministry.